November7,2012

House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement on immigration reform:

“Immigration has been one of the great strengths of our nation. Skilled workers, bright minds, and dedicated individuals, and families from all over the world have come to our country because they see opportunity and a chance for a better life. The talent and hard work of those individuals has helped grow our economy and strengthen our nation.

“As we work to reform our immigration system, we must look to improve all aspects of it, including maintaining our national security priorities, making it more efficient for those trying to come here legally, and keeping families together. The time is now to comprehensively address our greater immigration system and create a more streamlined process. The piecemeal approach to fixing our immigration policy has not provided the structure our country needs.

“Immigration reform will require a deep, bipartisan commitment. I am eager to work with organizations and communities in my district and Washington State, as well as my colleagues in Congress to ensure we reform our immigration system into one that reflects our nation's values.”